We receive numerous inquiries regarding the placing of private mooring buoys, which buoys are allowed to be on the lake, how many are allowed to be there, where they are allowed to be, etc.

To help provide clear, visual clarity regarding whether buoys are compliant with Transport Canada and RDEK zoning regulations, we are introducing a new three-tiered tagging system that will be rolled out in early August.

Our goal is to:

• ensure everyone is aware that all buoys must comply with the regulations, including the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw regulations in effect where the buoy will be placed; and,
• provide owners with the opportunity now to bring their buoys into compliance with the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw prior to the implementation of the new tagging system

The RDEK will begin tagging mooring buoys on Lake Windermere in early August, where water zoning regulations are already in place, as follows:

• Green Tag – This buoy conforms with the regulation and is compliant
• Blue Tag – This buoy is non-conforming but considered to be grandfathered and must be placed/removed on an annual/seasonal basis. If use is discontinued for a year, any future use must comply with the zoning regulations.
• Red Tag – This buoy may have been placed contrary to the Zoning Bylaw. These buoys may be subject to removal if the owners do not contact the RDEK to confirm eligibility.

Buoys must be clearly marked with:

• the owner’s name;
• address;
• phone number; and,
• “PRV” to indicate it is a private buoy.

Anyone who has placed an unregistered buoy should register it by contacting Kim O’Farrell at the RDEK’s Columbia Valley Office at 250-342-0063. You will need to provide your contact information and the GPS coordinates of the buoy so that it can be registered, checked and logged into the inventory.

Non-compliant buoys may be subject to enforcement and removal.

These requirements are not new. The RDEK has maintained an informal inventory for private mooring buoys on Lake Windermere since 2013 when water zoning was implemented through the Lake Windermere Management Plan and subsequent amendments to the Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw. This new tagging system will make it clear to all lake users which buoys are in compliance and will assist with enforcement on those that are not.

SUMMARY OF TRANSPORT CANADA BUOY REGULATIONS:

• 4 (1) No person shall place a private buoy in any Canadian waters unless
  • (a) the part of the buoy that shows above the surface of the water is at least 15.25 cm wide and at least 30.5 cm high;
  • (b) the buoy displays, on opposite sides, the capital letters “PRIV” that are
    • (i) as large as is practical for the size of the buoy, and
    • (ii) white when the background colour is red, green or black;
    • (iii) black when the background colour is white or yellow;
  • (c) the buoy complies with the requirements set out in Canadian Aids to Navigation (TP 968) published by the Canadian Coast Guard in 1995, as amended from time to time;
  • (d) the buoy displays, in a conspicuous location and in a permanent and legible manner, the name, address and telephone number of its owner;
  • (e) the buoy is constructed and maintained in a manner and with materials that ensure that it remains in position and retains the characteristics specified in paragraphs (a) to (d); and
  • (f) the buoy’s anchor is constructed and maintained in a manner and with materials that ensure that it remains in position.